See how much you will pay as Emissions Levy takes effect today

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced the commencement of the Emissions Levy, beginning Thursday, February 1, 2024.

A new Emissions Levy Act outlines a levy on carbon dioxide equivalent emissions on internal combustion engine vehicles.

The GRA emphasised that the move aligns with the government’s commitment to addressing greenhouse gas emissions.

Here are the new levies:

1. Motorcycles & tricycles – GH¢75 per annum

2. Motor vehicles, buses and coaches up to 3000 cc – GH¢150 per annum

3. (i) Motor vehicles, buses and coaches above 3000 cc – GH¢300 per annum

(ii) Cargo trucks and articulated trucks – GH¢300 per annum

The implementation of the emissions levy aims to promote the adoption of eco-friendly technology and green energy, contributing to improved environmental management and the control of air and water pollution.

The GRA called on all vehicle owners to adhere to the directive and fulfil their obligation by paying the Emissions Levy as stipulated in Act 1112.

The GRA stated that individuals obligated to pay the Emissions Levy must complete registration and make levy payments exclusively through the ghana.gov platform.

“Under section 4(4) of Act 1112, a person required to issue a road certificate (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and other testing centres) shall demand evidence of payment of the levy before issuing a Road Use Certificate.”

The levy has been met with stiff opposition by various groups.

While spare parts dealers have urged the government to review the levies, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has announced a 60% increase in transport fares due to the additional cost the levy adds to their cost of operations.

“We are already paying for the emission, 10 pesewas for a litre. So you can imagine 10 pesewas by 4.5 for a gallon by several gallons you use a day times 26 working days in a month. You can imagine how much one driver pays for it. And we pleaded with parliament that they should have a second look at it.

“But we did indicate that if nothing is being done or nothing can be done about it, then of course we have other problems as well. We will package ourselves and come out with an upward adjustment of lorry fares not less than 60%,” Public Relations Officer for GPRTU, Abbas Imoro, noted.